Digital Infrastructure North 2026 (DIN26) is a discussion-led forum - not a commercial conference. It will bring together around 100–120 senior participants from government, infrastructure operators, technology companies and research organisations — primarily by invitation — to help shape the next phase of the UK's digital infrastructure development, focusing on the special opportunities and challenges in the North.
About the summit
Why this matters now
The UK is entering a critical phase in the development of digital infrastructure. Demand for compute capacity is growing rapidly as large language models and other data-intensive technologies become central to the digital economy.
Yet the UK's infrastructure remains heavily concentrated in London and the South East, where power is increasingly constrained, while renewable energy generation in the North is frequently curtailed because it cannot easily reach where demand is concentrated.
At the same time, northern cities such as Manchester host major research communities, thriving digital industries and rapidly growing AI and innovation ecosystems. Supporting this growth will require significant new infrastructure investment across the North.
Agenda at a Glance
Registration and Coffee - 9:15 AM
Welcome & Opening Remarks - 9:45 AM
Keynote - 09:55 AM
Building Shared Infrastructure - 10:15 AM
Scene-setting presentation
Case studies
Panel discussion and audience Q&A
Coffee break - 11:30 AM
Compute – Sovereignty, Resilience & Sustainability - 11:45 am
Framing presentation
Industry perspectives
Panel discussion and audience Q&A
Working together - 13:00
Lunch & Networking - 13:10
Infrastructure for Growth & Public Services - 14:10
Framing presentation
Case examples
Panel discussion and audience Q&A
Tea Break - 15:25
Future Directions - 15:45
Closing Remarks - 16:25
Drinks and networking - 16:30
Event close - 17:30
Organisers
Convened by
Digital Infrastructure North 2026 is being convened by four organisations committed to shaping the future of digital infrastructure in the North of England:
- Manchester Digital
- CNI (Cooperative Network Infrastructure)
- Greater Manchester Combined Authority
- LINX
Sponsorship opportunities
If you'd be interested in exploring opportunities to partner with us and showcase your organisation at the event, download our sponsorship brochure here.
Register your interest
Attendance is primarily by invitation, with around 100–120 senior participants from government, infrastructure operators, technology companies and research organisations. To register your interest in attending, please apply via the link below.
